5 Tips for Slowing the Advancement of Dementia

By Dian Brannen, 9:00 am on February 22, 2019

Dementia is a progressive condition with no cure, but there are ways aging adults can alleviate many of the symptoms associated with the disease and enhance their quality of life. Here are some tips your senior parent can use to prevent the progression of dementia.

1. Stay Physically Active

A brisk walk on the treadmill or a jog with friends through the park could be just what your parent needs to maintain a healthy mind. Physical exercise increases the flow of blood to the brain, which protects the cells and increases brain cell growth. Participating in physical activities at least three times per week can have a significant effect on your loved one’s health and slow the progression of dementia.

Seniors with mobility limitations or health conditions may find it difficult to exercise on their own safely, and a professional caregiver can be of tremendous help. When considering senior home care, Allentown, PA, families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits.

2. Develop Effective Communication Strategies

Speaking can be difficult for aging adults because dementia affects areas of the brain that control language. As a family caregiver, you can make communicating less of a challenge for your parent. Don’t stop stimulating and challenging his or her mind. Instead, look for ways to strengthen your communication without increasing your loved one’s blood pressure or stress levels. Some tips to consider: • Eliminate background noises when speaking • Speak clearly• Avoid speaking in a condescending tone • Maintain relaxed body language • Don’t rush the conversation

A professional caregiver with training and expertise in methods of cognitive stimulation can be a wonderful asset for seniors with dementia. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type ofin-home care. Allentown families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.

3. Make the Home Safer

Your loved one’s mental acuity and cognitive abilities will be affected by dementia, which is why his or her environment should be safe at all times. Install security systems and grab bars, maintain well-lit hallways, remove sharp objects and weapons, keep smoke and carbon monoxide detectors updated, monitor water temperatures, and add comfortable furnishings. Keeping your loved one’s home environmentally safe could slow the progression of dementia and allow him or her to remain independent for a longer time.

4. Maintain a Daily Routine

Confusion and the inability to recognize familiar people, places, and things are some of the most common symptoms associated with dementia. However, maintaining a normal routine can help your loved one know what to expect and boost his or her memory. Settling into a routine that makes sense may reduce feelings of insecurity. A daily schedule also helps seniors with dementia sleep better, which can prevent behavioral issues.

5. Use Social Networks

Staying connected with others is important for seniors with dementia. It can stimulate the mind and boost emotional health, which can slow the progression of dementia and enhance quality of life. Your loved one can sign up for social media sites to chat with friends, family, and others. Social networks can help your loved one maintain cognitive abilities even after being diagnosed with dementia. Other options include video chatting, crafting classes, going to church, and attending family gatherings.

Dementia can be challenging for seniors to manage, but they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional dementia care. Allentown seniors can benefit greatly from the Cognitive Therapeutics Method (CTM), an activities-based program designed to promote cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. CTM is included at no additional charge with any of the in-home care plans provided by Home Care Assistance. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at 484-350-3874 to learn more about our customized care plans.

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